“Spaces”

Whether Kelly Lee Owens is making techno or dream pop or something in-between, she wants all her songs to accomplish two things: they should be “immersive” but also “give you a bit of a hug.” On the British producer’s debut self-titled album, she exhibited a remarkable ability to cultivate good vibe—her tunes were friendly and energetic and comforting. But the closest she comes to full-fledged sonic embrace is on “Spaces,” a recently released bonus cut from her record. It’s a plush ambient tune that sounds as if it recorded in a bubble beneath the deep sea. Its main element—a loop of descending synth chords—has the hypnotic forward motion of a slinky toy descending a spiral staircase. Surrounding this is plenty of fuzzy echo and soft drums and Owens’ voice commands this backdrop marvelously. She sounds airy and relaxed as she sings about a lovely “island of yellow light” far away from mortal concern.